Tree contact with power lines is the single leading cause of power outages on our system. That's why we do everything we can to strike a healthy balance between our appreciation for trees and our obligation to provide safe, reliable electric service.

Trimming Trees Along Our Transmission Lines

Since the blackout of 2003, which was caused by several trees that had grown close enough to a transmission line to cause a flashover and the initial line outage, state and federal regulatory agencies have developed stricter requirements for the management of vegetation on right-of-way land below and alongside high voltage transmission lines.

To comply with new regulations, O&R has developed a comprehensive vegetation management program that meets those requirements, and, at the same time, strikes a "neighbor-friendly" balance between aesthetics and service reliability.

For transmission rights-of-way that traverse residential areas, O&R's plan provides the flexibility to permit trees to remain in the rights-of-way as long as they do not interfere, or have the growth potential to interfere, with the safe operation of the electric transmission system in the future, as shown below.

O&R will remove only those tall-growing species that are directly underneath the transmission lines (rooted in the wire zone) or have grown within close proximity to the wires (encroach into the priority zone).

All other healthy tall-growing species in the border zones of the right-of-way will be removed only if property owners have agreed to have them removed. Otherwise, the vegetation will be left alone or trimmed back to a specified clearance to eliminate the possibility of contact with the transmission lines.

New York Regulatory Requirements

New York State Public Service Commission Order 04-E-0822 directs all New York transmission operators to remove all undesirable (non-compatible) vegetation species rooted within the transmission rights-of-way (ROW) to ground-level, including non-compatible vegetation buffers. Undesirable species are those species whose mature heights will encroach into the wire security zone. Please take this regulation into consideration when planning any plantings near transmission ROWs in New York.

New Jersey Regulatory Requirements

New Jersey Board of Public Utilities N.J.A.C. 14:5-9 - Vegetation management standard directs New Jersey utilities under 14:5-9.6 that a public utility shall not allow any vegetation that grows taller than 15 feet at maturity to grow anywhere within a transmission line right-of-way, and that the electric public utility shall not allow woody plants that naturally mature above three feet tall to grow in the wire zone (the area of the ROW floor directly under the transmission conductors). Please be aware of these requirements when planning any plantings near electric transmission ROWs in New Jersey.

Trimming Trees Along Our Distribution Lines

Through our regularly scheduled tree trimming program, we redirect tree growth away from power lines so we can limit any electric system damage that could be caused by Mother Nature. If a tree grows too fast or if its proximity to power lines is a threat to our electric system, our expert contractors trim the growth away from our equipment to the extent that minimum distances are created as shown below.

In some cases, we may need to trim intruding branches along the rights-of-way adjoining your property. In other instances, we may need to remove non-compatible trees to encourage establishment of lower-growing trees near power lines.

O&R Nationally Recognized for Tree Management Practices

The National Arbor Day Foundation has named Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. a "Tree Line USA Utility" in recognition of its "national leadership in caring for trees while meeting service objectives."

The National Arbor Day Foundation has recognized O&R for training its workers in quality tree care practices and helping its customers to plant appropriate trees near utility lines — an approach that not only helps to provide beautiful trees for the future, but also results in long-term operational savings for the utility.

More information

To learn more about proper planting of trees and shrubs, download our Tree Maintenance Guide [pdf].

For tips to help you save energy and money while improving your property's beauty and enhancing its value, visit our online Tree Landscaping Guide.

For more information about our vegetation maintenance program, contact O&R's system arborist, Mark Beamish at 845-783-5472 or by e-mail.